In a vote that affects the Channel League and Tri-Valley Athletic Association, the Southern Section Council approved the move of the Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure football programs to the Marmonte League in a meeting of league representatives in Long Beach on Thursday.
The realignment, effective in 2010, affects only football and cannot be appealed.
While several proposals were on the table, including one that would have moved Oaks Christian to the Marmonte League in all sports – not just football, the council finally approved the gridiron-only adjustment.
“I’m happy for our football team because now they get to play for a true league championship,” said Carpinteria Athletic Director John Ward, who attended the meeting along with an estimated 300-to-400 other people.
Ward can say good-bye to the virtually unbeatable Lions on Friday, when the Warriors host Oaks Christian in what will be their final league meeting. The Lions, No. 1 in CIF’s Northwest Division, have dominated the TVL since joining in 2002, losing only once in the last six years.
“We don’t belong in the Tri-Valley League,” Oaks Christian head coach Bill Redell told PresidioSports.com last year after stomping Carpinteria 56-0. “We belong in the Marmonte League… John (Hazelton) is a very fine coach and his kids try hard, but honestly we don’t belong in this league. They need to get us out.”
St. Bonaventure has had an even easier time in the Channel League, having never lost a league game (36-0).
The move will be in place for at least four years, which is when league realignments can be voted upon again.
'Bout time. Two East German sports labs with money move into a new league. At least St Bonny did move up previously, but Oaks is pathetic.
'Bout time. Two East German sports labs with money move into a new league. At least St Bonny did move up previously, but Oaks is pathetic.